Introducing the Leadership in Advocacy & Communications (LAC) Programme Cohort
We’re proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the World Heart Federation’s Leadership in Advocacy and Communications (LAC) Programme, taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 28 October to 1 November. This initiative will bring together 19 participants from 14 countries, each dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health through effective advocacy and communication.
Faculty:
- Alison Cox, Switzerland: Director of Policy and Advocacy at NCD Alliance
- Christophe Lécureuil, Switzerland: Consultant at CLC Consultant and Advocacy Skills Lead at the Graduate Institute Geneva
- Lilian Mbau, Kenya: Technical Advisor at Centre for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
- Jeremiah Mwangi, Switzerland: Director of Policy and Advocacy at World Heart Federation
- Deborah-Fay Ndlovu, Kenya: Head of Corporate and Science Communication at SFA Foundation
- Borjana Pervan, Switzerland: Director of Strategy and Communications at World Heart Federation
- Trevor Shilton, Australia: Chair of the Advocacy Committee and member of the Board at World Heart Federation
The LAC programme cohort is:
- Jameel Ahmad, Nigeria: Cardiovascular surgeon, healthcare entrepreneur, educator, and WHF Emerging Leader.
- Jubaida Akhtar, Bangladesh: Research Medical Officer specializing in hypertension, NCDs, and public health.
- Folasade Alli, Nigeria: Cardiologist, co-founded Alpine Care Group.
- Farzana Amir, Pakistan: Researcher, General Manager and Director of Allied Health Sciences at Tabba Heart Institute.
- Shumaila Furnaz, Pakistan: Manager of Research at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.
- Lebo Gafane-Matemane, South Africa: Associate Professor.
- Gabriela Ghisi, Canada: Affiliate Scientist, cardiac rehabilitation expert.
- Godsent Isiguzo, Nigeria: Professor of Medicine, consultant cardiologist.
- Muhammad Ismail, Pakistan: Consultant cardiologist.
- Leslie Kaze, Rwanda: Health policy expert.
- Jenny Kölfors, Sweden: Communications expert, leads advocacy at Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation.
- Wilhelm Lichtenberg, South Africa: Cardiothoracic surgeon and founder of Young Hearts Africa Foundation.
- Javier Mariani, Argentina: Cardiologist and biostatistician.
- Rajkumar Nadakinamani, India: Cardiologist, founder of Modern India Heart Foundation.
- Happy Nchimbi, Tanzania: Health systems expert.
- Keneilwe Nkgola Mmopi, Botswana: Cardiovascular physiologist, senior lecturer.
- Franck Nziza, Burundi: Public health physician, researcher, founder of Mugangapreneur Innovation Lab.
- Stephen Ogweno, Kenya: Global health practitioner, NCD advocate, founder of Stowelink Foundation.
- Michelle Winokur, USA: Health policy expert, communication strategist.
Over the course of the programme, participants will learn to master evidence-based advocacy strategies and navigate both global and local policy landscapes. Additionally, they will develop powerful messaging and media engagement techniques, strengthen partnerships and coalitions for heart health, and craft compelling narratives that mobilize change within their communities.